African Americans (AAs) experience significant cardiovascular (CV) disease disparities, driven by suboptimal CV health (CVH) and limited adherence to healthy behaviors. With the rapid digital healthcare transformation, mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer promise for improving CVH in AAs. However, the digital divide and limited digital literacy hinder digital health (DH) tools utilization and effectiveness in AAs. We assessed feasibility of training DH Advocates (DHAs) in DH readiness and CVH promotion for integration into an mHealth randomized control trial (RCT).

Methods:

A 5-week (four 2-hour virtual and one in-person sessions) training program was conducted. Adapted from the evidence-based, culturally tailored NHLBI Community Health Worker initiative, the training was modeled on the Association of Black Cardiologists’ Community Health Advocate Training program. Training included didactic lessons, experiential and role-play teach-back activities. Participants completed pre/post assessments; those scoring ≥80% advanced to the RCT. Participants received an NIMHD Research Framework-informed DH Equity toolkit, co-designed with AAs, covering relevant topics (e.g., smartphone skills). Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected via electronic survey.

Results:

Twenty participants (95% female, mean age: 47.7 [13.0] years, 100% AA) completed training. Participants were socioeconomically diverse (median income: $75k-$99k, 90% employed, 100% insured). Post-training, median scores increased from 83.8% to 90.0% correct, and the pass rate rose from 62.5% to 89.5%. All participants qualified for RCT inclusion following a second test attempt, if needed.

Conclusions:

Training community-based DHAs to enhance DH literacy and promote CVH among AAs is feasible, highlighting a scalable community-academic model for innovative disease prevention in underserved populations.